Injury frustration gives way to podium success for vegan powerlifter

Sahy Lalime has returned from injury with a fantastic performance at the World Masters powerlifting championships.

Competing in the M1 63 kg category, she opened with a 175 kg squat – winning silver in the event and close to her world record of 185 kg.

Her bench of 95 kg was also enough for silver.

Sahy’s 195kg deadlift won her bronze and sealed her position of second overall.

The performance is an incredible return after two years of recurring injuries which have made the period frustrating for the determined Belgian.

Beating the setbacks

“I had hoped this competition would mark a turning point towards redemption” Sahy explains. “While I didn’t achieve my aim of matching or surpassing my best performance and taking the title of World Champion, this competition proved to me that I’m almost back. And once I’m back, I’ll be able to push beyond to new heights.”

Sahy has been vegan since 2015 after 12 years vegetarian, making the decision to stop eating meat “based purely on not wanting to kill animals.”

She eats bananas, peanut butter, blueberries, tofu, rice, broccoli, cucumber and kale. “I also eat lots of protein smoothies, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, bulgur and seasonal fruit and veggies. I keep frozen veggies on hand for quick meals.”

Sahy may have exceeded people’s expectations to reach a world championship podium at this stage, although she is aiming higher.

“So while I’m disappointed with coming in 2nd, this outcome is probably exactly what I needed. Because I feel hungrier than ever. Ravenous. The future is unwritten, but it feels bright.”